he played six seasons in the pros, five with the san francisco 49ers, and one with the oakland raiders. >> i love football. football provided me with some experiences and some opportunities that i wouldn't trade for anything else. but at the same time, the cost was great in asking me to not speak candidly or be able to be open about myself and in this complete manner. >> reporter: harris is gay. he said he's always known this, but concealed it until recently. >> i wasn't publicly out until -- until about, i don't know, beginning of the super bowl, when it was publicized. >> reporter: it was publicized after an alleged altercation with an ex-boyfriend outside of a restaurant. not long after, current 49er chris culver made this comment on artie lange's radio show. >> ain't got no gay people on the team. they got to get up out of here if they do. >> reporter: culver ultimately apologized, but the sentiment is not uncommon in the sports world. last baseball season, toronto short stop escobar was suspended for three games for a gay slur written in spanish in the grease under his eyes. 'apol